Neal Thurman

Yahoo! Premier League

Week 2 Schedule Analysis

Week 1 isn't fully in the books but it seems unlikely that the results of the Chelsea vs. Aston Villa match tomorrow will impact how we're thinking about Week 2. Maybe if Aston Villa do the same thing to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge that they did to Arsenal on Saturday then we'll look at their match with Liverpool differently but that seems unlikely at this point. The fixtures are listed below with the team that has the match-up advantage in bold and some comments about the expected nature of the match (high scoring, low scoring, etc.) and how that should impact your interest in that match for fantasy purposes. The matches are listed in the order in which I am investing budget and dedicating spots in my squad with the first one being my heaviest investment and the last one being my smallest investment.

Cardiff City v Manchester City - The smart money has Manchester City winning big here with a clean sheet to go with multiple goals. The Move: Invest Heavily in City

Tottenham Hotspur v Swansea City - It may be a slight over-reaction to Swansea getting roughed up by United but between Spurs being at home and Swansea City having looked out of sorts, this one is leaning toward a Spurs win and clean sheet. The Move: Sprinkle Spurs in with your City investments so you aren't entirely exposed if City aren't quite as convincing as you'd hoped.

Everton v West Bromwich Albion - Everton is likely to rebound from their defensive issues on opening week for a win but they're probably only about 50/50 for a clean sheet despite the Baggies failure to click on offense this past weekend. The Move: Maybe one Everton attacker given the Baggies' defensive frailties last season and lack of major improvements there over the summer.

Southampton v Sunderland - I like the Saints as an under-the-radar pick all season and Sunderland certainly weren't off to a great attacking start. The Move: If there are any spots left after your City and Spurs defenders you might want to add someone (Lovern?) from Southampton into the mix.

Aston Villa v Liverpool - The away side are favored here but I wouldn't bet against Villa to score one at home. The Move: We're into territory where I'm probably not investing but if you are going to pick from this match (or retain a player) then it should be an attacking player wearing red.

Fulham v Arsenal - The experts have this as a low scoring match as Arsenal return from their Champions League travels. The Move: I'd avoid it to be honest.

Hull City v Norwich City - Norwich City have surprised with the quality of their moves over the summer and getting an early point against Everton is solid but gaining points on the road is another matter entirely. The Move: Unless you need an inexpensive player somewhere on your roster to balance the expense of Spurs and City players, you shouldn't get too excited about this one.

Newcastle United v West Ham United - Look for Newcastle to bounce back at home but there probably isn't enough of an advantage to make anyone worth while. The Move: Like Papiss Cisse against Manchester City, you should do nothing.

Stoke City v Crystal Palace - This one is all about whether or not Stoke get the clean sheet. If they do then there is some potential value here. If they don't, won't you feel foolish for having bought a fantasy player from a team that has been allergic to fantasy points for a few seasons now. The Move: Stay away.

Manchester United v Chelsea - When these two teams get together, especially with new managers looking to mark their territory early in the season, there is every chance that both will play it conservative. Anything COULD happen but it seems likely that we're looking at a low scoring (1-1) draw. The Move: Don't buy in for fantasy but sit back and enjoy as the first great drama of the season unfolds.

Week 1 isn't fully in the books but it seems unlikely that the results of the Chelsea vs. Aston Villa match tomorrow will impact how we're thinking about Week 2. Maybe if Aston Villa do the same thing to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge that they did to Arsenal on Saturday then we'll look at their match with Liverpool differently but that seems unlikely at this point. The fixtures are listed below with the team that has the match-up advantage in bold and some comments about the expected nature of the match (high scoring, low scoring, etc.) and how that should impact your interest in that match for fantasy purposes. The matches are listed in the order in which I am investing budget and dedicating spots in my squad with the first one being my heaviest investment and the last one being my smallest investment.

Cardiff City v Manchester City - The smart money has Manchester City winning big here with a clean sheet to go with multiple goals. The Move: Invest Heavily in City

Tottenham Hotspur v Swansea City - It may be a slight over-reaction to Swansea getting roughed up by United but between Spurs being at home and Swansea City having looked out of sorts, this one is leaning toward a Spurs win and clean sheet. The Move: Sprinkle Spurs in with your City investments so you aren't entirely exposed if City aren't quite as convincing as you'd hoped.

Everton v West Bromwich Albion - Everton is likely to rebound from their defensive issues on opening week for a win but they're probably only about 50/50 for a clean sheet despite the Baggies failure to click on offense this past weekend. The Move: Maybe one Everton attacker given the Baggies' defensive frailties last season and lack of major improvements there over the summer.

Southampton v Sunderland - I like the Saints as an under-the-radar pick all season and Sunderland certainly weren't off to a great attacking start. The Move: If there are any spots left after your City and Spurs defenders you might want to add someone (Lovern?) from Southampton into the mix.

Aston Villa v Liverpool - The away side are favored here but I wouldn't bet against Villa to score one at home. The Move: We're into territory where I'm probably not investing but if you are going to pick from this match (or retain a player) then it should be an attacking player wearing red.

Fulham v Arsenal - The experts have this as a low scoring match as Arsenal return from their Champions League travels. The Move: I'd avoid it to be honest.

Hull City v Norwich City - Norwich City have surprised with the quality of their moves over the summer and getting an early point against Everton is solid but gaining points on the road is another matter entirely. The Move: Unless you need an inexpensive player somewhere on your roster to balance the expense of Spurs and City players, you shouldn't get too excited about this one.

Newcastle United v West Ham United - Look for Newcastle to bounce back at home but there probably isn't enough of an advantage to make anyone worth while. The Move: Like Papiss Cisse against Manchester City, you should do nothing.

Stoke City v Crystal Palace - This one is all about whether or not Stoke get the clean sheet. If they do then there is some potential value here. If they don't, won't you feel foolish for having bought a fantasy player from a team that has been allergic to fantasy points for a few seasons now. The Move: Stay away.

Manchester United v Chelsea - When these two teams get together, especially with new managers looking to mark their territory early in the season, there is every chance that both will play it conservative. Anything COULD happen but it seems likely that we're looking at a low scoring (1-1) draw. The Move: Don't buy in for fantasy but sit back and enjoy as the first great drama of the season unfolds.

Neal Thurman manages the Rotoworld's Premier League coverage and contributes to Never Manage Alone which he co-founded. He is also a diehard Arsenal supporter. You can find him on Twitter @NealJThurman.Email :Neal Thurman